CBD and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): What the Latest Research Suggests

If you’ve ever struggled with digestive discomfort, bloating, or unpredictable gut issues, you’re not alone. Many people with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) look for ways to support their gut health and feel more comfortable in their daily lives.

One natural option that has gained attention is CBD (cannabidiol)—a compound derived from hemp that is widely used for its wellness benefits. While common CBD products are not sold as a cure or treatment for any medical condition, some people use it as part of their self-care routine to promote balance and relaxation.

A recent study explored how women with IBD perceive their experience with CBD. The study compared those who used CBD to those who didn’t, looking at factors such as gut-related discomfort, appetite, and overall well-being. While the research is still early, the findings provide interesting insights into how people with digestive conditions incorporate CBD into their lifestyles.

So, what does the study tell us? And what should you consider if you're thinking about using CBD for digestive support? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most common forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While they share similarities, they affect the gut in different ways:

• Crohn’s disease can impact any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the intestines, often affecting deeper layers of the gut lining.

• Ulcerative colitis mainly affects the large intestine (colon) and causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) on the inner lining.

People with IBD may experience symptoms that severely impact their quality of life, like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and changes in appetite. Because these conditions are long-term, managing them often requires lifestyle adjustments, stress management, and finding ways to support overall well-being and symptom relief.

While research into alternative wellness approaches is growing, many individuals explore natural options like dietary changes, probiotics, or plant-based supplements as part of their routine. This is where CBD has sparked interest—as a natural compound from the cannabis plant that some people incorporate into their lifestyle to promote balance and relaxation.

CBD and Gut Health: What Does Science Say?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a ‘high’. Instead, many people use it as part of their wellness routine to support relaxation, balance, and overall well-being.

But what does science say about CBD and gut health?

The Body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and Digestion

The human body has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate various functions, including mood, sleep, immune response, and digestion. The ECS consists of receptors found throughout the body—including in the gut. These receptors interact with compounds like CBD, which is why some researchers are interested in how CBD might influence digestive health.

CBD and the Gut: What We Know So Far

Although research is still in its early stages, scientists have been exploring how CBD interacts with the gut and immune system. Some studies suggest that the ECS plays a role in gut function, digestion, and the body’s natural response to inflammation, which is why CBD has caught the attention of people with conditions like IBD.

However, there is no conclusive evidence that CBD directly treats digestive conditions, and more research is needed to understand its potential role in gut health. That said, some individuals with IBD report using CBD as part of their self-care routine to promote a sense of balance, particularly when it comes to discomfort, appetite, and overall well-being.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at a recent study that examined how women with IBD perceive CBD and whether they believe it plays a role in their daily wellness.

New Research: Women with IBD and CBD Use

While many people are curious about CBD and gut health, research on its effects—especially in women—is still limited. A recent study aimed to fill this gap by exploring how women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) perceive their experience with CBD.

What Was the Study About?

Researchers surveyed 71 women with IBD, dividing them into two groups:

• CBD users (25 women)

• Past or never users (46 women)

The goal was to compare their experiences, focusing on gut-related discomfort, appetite, and overall well-being.

Key Findings from CBD Users

Women who used CBD reported:

• 76% experienced less digestive discomfort

• 64% noticed a reduction in nausea

• 60% reported improved appetite

However, it has to be said that while these responses suggest positive experiences, the study did not find statistically significant differences in clinical disease severity between CBD users and non-users. This means that while some individuals perceive benefits, the results do not confirm a direct effect of the cannabinoid on IBD symptoms.

Why Does This Matter?

This study highlights an important point: CBD is not a medical treatment for IBD, but some successfully choose to use it as part of their wellness routine. The research also showed that many women are interested in natural approaches and are looking for high-quality CBD products to support their daily lives.

How Some People Use CBD for Digestive Wellness

While everyone’s experience is different, the recent study on women with IBD found that CBD users tended to follow certain patterns in how they used it.

Most Common Ways People Use CBD for Digestive Support

According to the study, women who used CBD typically:

• Took it once per day (40% of users).

• Preferred oral tinctures (40%)—a liquid form of CBD taken under the tongue.

• Used relatively low doses—56% took 25mg or less per day.

Some people also tried different formats, including capsules, edibles, or topical products, though oral CBD oil seemed to be the most common choice.

Things to Consider When Exploring CBD for Gut Health

If you’re thinking about trying CBD, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Start with a low dose – Many people begin with a small amount and gradually adjust.

• Consistency matters – Some users take CBD regularly rather than occasionally.

• Quality is key – Look for CBD that is lab-tested and made from high-quality hemp.

While research is ongoing, many individuals report using CBD as part of their lifestyle to support relaxation and overall balance. In the next section, we’ll explore how to choose a high-quality CBD product if you’re considering adding it to your wellness routine.

What to Look for When Choosing CBD for Gut Support

As interest in CBD grows, so does the number of products on the market. But not all CBD is created equal. If you’re considering adding it to your wellness routine, choosing a high-quality product is essential to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience.

1. Third-Party Testing: Ensuring Quality & Safety

Reputable CBD brands provide third-party lab test results (also known as Certificates of Analysis) to confirm:

• CBD content – Ensures you’re getting the amount stated on the label.

• No unwanted additives – Verifies the product is free from pesticides, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals.

2. Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate?

• Full-Spectrum CBD contains a range of hemp compounds, including small amounts of THC (within legal limits).

• Broad-Spectrum CBD offers similar benefits but without THC.

• CBD Isolate is pure CBD, with no other hemp compounds.

Many people looking for gut support choose full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, as they contain additional plant compounds that some believe enhance the overall effect.

3. Choosing the Right Format

CBD comes in various forms, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle:

• CBD Oils – Fast absorption and easy to adjust dosage.

• CBD Gummies – Gummies or other infused foods for a convenient approach.

• CBD Topicals - For localised effects.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a product that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts: Is CBD Worth Exploring for Gut Health?

While research into CBD and gut health is still developing, studies like the one we discussed provide valuable insights into how people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incorporate CBD into their routines.

The findings suggest that many women with IBD who use CBD perceive benefits such as less digestive discomfort, reduced nausea, and improved appetite. However, it’s important to remember that CBD is not a medical treatment, and its effects can vary from person to person.

If you’re curious about trying CBD, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Listen to your body – Everyone’s experience with CBD is unique.

• Choose high-quality CBD – Look for lab-tested, well-sourced products.

• Start low and go slow – Many people begin with a small dose and adjust gradually.

As always, if you have any health concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine.

Sources

[1] Portman A, Bukovich E, Bissex J, Flanagan M, Pojednic R. The Perceived Effectiveness of Cannabidiol on Adult Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Dec 14;60(12):2059.